Regardless of the sport, Revel has said the first steps to success happen in the gym, training and preparing, and ultimately establishing a healthy lifestyle.

It’s why the former Salisbury University track runner opened The Athlete Academy – a training facility that works with individuals from the elementary to professional level.

The longtime trainer is always looking for ways to expand, hoping to open more facilities over the next few years throughout the Delmarva area. His current gym opened in April and is located at Williamsport Circle in Salisbury.

While hoping to bring more light to his facility and receive funds to help it grow, Revel participated in the Salisbury University entrepreneurship competition. The event recognizes start-up businesses that headquarter their operation in Salisbury.

After presenting The Athlete Academy and the benefits the organization brings, Revel was awarded the Mayor’s Prize. The former athlete left the event with $31,000 in cash awards and services.

In a news release, the Director of Business Development, Laura Soper, said she was impressed by Revel’s passion for coaching and training athletes of all ages. Studying his presentation, Soper said The Athlete Academy owner was the clear choice to receive the Mayor’s Prize.

“Cody and I met back in February as he was working on his business plan and seeking a new location for the business,” Soper stated. “At this meeting, it was clear that he had done thorough research and was passionate about what he does. I had the chance to catch up with him at the SU Entrepreneurship “Invest in my Idea” poster competition and was blown away by his progress and plans for growth.”

Revel also received an additional $15,000 the day prior through SU’s Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship competition for business startups throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

With his own facility, and a supporting staff behind him, Revel said The Athlete Academy’s early success has been a dream come true.

“Everything has turned out well, and here we are,” Revel said on May 17. “Everyone’s welcomed here, and we’re looking forward to training a lot of athletes.”